MICKLETON — At the East Greenwich Township Committee meeting on Oct. 24, Mayor Dale Archer announced plans to reduce the water rates for every resident of the community.
Every resident will receive a two percent reduction in their water rates no matter where their level of usage falls, according to the mayor. Archer pointed out that over 65 percent of East Greenwich residents consume 20,000 gallons water or less in each quarter.
“And we will be adding two additional tier rates between the minimum to the average,” he explained. “By adding these additional tiers, the vast majority of the town will see a further reduction in their cost for usage. This should particularly benefit seniors and moderate water users.”
The mayor noted that the moves had been thoroughly vetted by our auditing firm, CFO, and Public Works Manager. Archer and Committeeman Bob Tice, East Greenwich’s Water and Sewer Director, came up with the business plan.
“You took on something that wasn’t popular, and was very difficult,” commented Committeeman Stephen Bottiglieri. “I’m very proud of the work you put in, and I’m looking forward to hearing some good input at the public meetings.”
An ordinance to introduce the water rate reduction is expected to be on the agenda for the next Committee meeting in November, followed by a series of public meetings where savings will be further detailed. “All this,” Archer said, “barring any public or governmental challenges, will hopefully be finalized before the end of the year, just in time for the start of 2018.”
In other news, the Committee certified East Greenwich’s 2016 annual audit. “The audit gave us a good review for the most part,” observed Bottiglieri. “Most of its recommendations are minor.”
“This is the healthiest and most outstanding audit we’ve had in the five years I’ve been here,” added Archer.
Other approved resolutions authorized the township clerk to advertise for 2018 towing and vehicle maintenance bids, and for professional services. The Committee also renewed its software support, backup procedures and maintenance support services for 2018.
Elsewhere, Joseph Brown of local small business Atlas Flasher & Supply Company has sponsored the donation of a bullet and stab protective vest to East Greenwich Township Police Department’s K9 Kilo. The donation came from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Vested Interest is a non-profit organization from East Taunton, MA. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. The company has provided over 2,600 protective vests for dogs in 50 states through private and corporate donations since they were established in 2009.
by Robert Holt
